This Week @ PS 88Q

As we head into the final stretch of the school year, I wanted to take a moment to share just how proud I am of our amazing students. We are almost at the finish line of NYS testing season! Our students in Grades 3, 4, and 5 have completed the ELA and Math exams, our 5th graders have taken the NYS Science exam, and this week we will wrap up with the final day of NYSESLAT testing for our English Language Learners. It’s a lot—I know how stressful this time can be—but thanks to the dedication and care of the PS 88Q staff, our building has remained a calm, supportive, and stress-free environment for all.

I reminded our students often: worry only comes when we’re not prepared. And they were prepared. They showed resilience, focus, and determination every step of the way—and we couldn’t be prouder.

With just 25 school days left, there is still so much to look forward to and celebrate! Our youngest learners in 3K, Pre-K, and Kindergarten will soon be “stepping up,” while our incredible 5th graders prepare to celebrate their commencement and reflect on their years at PS 88Q.

May and June are filled with exciting events that truly highlight the spirit and heart of our school community. Next week alone we will host our “May the Change Be With You” Event, Field Day, our “We Are PS 88Q” Celebration, and on May 31st, we are thrilled to participate in “We Are District 24” at Forest Park—a wonderful showcase of the talent, culture, and unity across our district.

Thank you for being such a vital part of the PS 88Q family. Let’s make the most of these final weeks together—celebrating, learning, and finishing strong.

🌸 May

• May 15, 16, 19: NYSESLAT Testing

• 🧠 May 19: SLT Meeting @ 5:00 PM

• 👶 May 20: 3K Offers Released

• 🗳️ May 20: PTA Meeting & PTA Elections

• 🇺🇸 May 26: No School – Memorial Day

• May 27: May the Change Be With You Event

• 🏃 May 28: Field Day (Grades 3-5)

• 🏅 May 29: Field Day (Grades K-2)

• 🌧️ May 30: Field Day Rain Date

• May 31: We Are District 24 Event: Forest Park

🌞 June

• 🎉 June 4: #WeArePS88Q Event from 3:30 PM–6:30 PM

• 🕌 June 5: No School – Eid-al-Adha

• 📝 June 6: No Students – Clerical Day

• 🏫 June 9: SLT Meeting @ 5:00 PM

• 💌 June 11: Gifted & Talented Offers Released

• June 12-13: The Lion King Evening Performance

• 🤝 June 17: PTA Meeting

• ✊ June 19: No School – Juneteenth

• 🍽️ June 20: Grade 5 Breakfast & Final Walk-Through

• 🎓 June 23: Grade 5 Commencement

• 🥳 June 24: Grade 5 Party

• 📅 June 26: Last Day of School

Thank you so much for your continued interest in PS 88Q. We know how important your child’s early learning experience is, and we’re honored that you’ve chosen us as your first choice for 3K, Pre-K, or Kindergarten.

At this time, your child may be on the waitlist—but please know, we are actively working through it and are committed to filling every available seat. We never leave a seat empty, and as spots open up, we extend offers right away. This process continues throughout the spring and summer, and I personally stay in touch and work closely with our enrollment team during that time.

Please don’t hesitate to continue reaching out—I’m here and happy to help. We truly hope to welcome your family to the PS 88Q community, and we’ll be in contact the moment a seat becomes available.

🎉 You’re Invited to the PS 88Q Open House Celebration! 🎉
📅 Date: Tuesday, June 4th
🕒 Time: 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM
📍 Location: PS 88Q – The Heart of Our Community

• Join us for a fun-filled, schoolwide celebration where YOU get to experience what your child sees every day! Our amazing staff has curated an afternoon of learning, laughter, and community connection. It’s a true open house—and we’re adding more excitement every day!

  🌟 What’s in Store:
  🎨 Ms. Fogarty’s Annual Art Show – Every student’s artwork will be on display in our spectacular PS 88Q Gallery!
  🏫 Visit Current & Future Classrooms – Tour where your child learns now and peek into what’s next!
  🎭 Sneak Peek at This Year’s Disney Performance – A magical preview you won’t want to miss!
  🎶 Explore the Music Rooms & STEM Lab – Get hands-on with the spaces that spark creativity and innovation.
  🤝 Meet All of Our Amazing Teachers – Connect with the educators who make PS 88Q special.
  🛝 Playground Open for Families – Let the kids play while you explore!
  🎨 Family Craft Activity – Get creative and make something memorable together.
  💆 Relax in the Wellness Room – Yes, we’ll have a real masseuse on site!
  🎓 Incoming Pre-K, 3K & Kindergarten Orientation – A warm welcome to our newest families!
  🎉 Class of 2020 Welcome Back – A special moment to celebrate our returning alumni.
  📚 Resource Fair – Discover community programs and school services available to your family.

  This is your moment to celebrate all the incredible work our students, staff, and families have accomplished together. We can’t wait to welcome you!

  
  

o the Class of 2020, PS 88Q will always be your home!

Five years ago, you left PS 88Q on a regular Friday in March, not realizing it would be the last time you say in your grade 5 classroom. We entered a time period that was not easy, and for you all, you didn't get the traditional graduation, party and farewell. We want you to know that PS 88Q will always be part of your story, and you are all part of our story .

On Wednesday, June 4th we are holding an open house for all our families, to see how amazing PS 88Q really is. All of the teachers will be there, and showcasing many things, such as band with Mr. Dumont, Art with Ms. Fogarty, Coding with Mr. Nolan, Disney Theater, but most of all, the opportunity for you to see some of your teachers, walk the hallways again, and return to your elementary school. At 6:00pm. we will gather you all in the auditorium and celebrate you! Feel free to bring your family!

I would love to gather any pictures you may have. I am adding the ones I have. Feel free to drop some pictures of then, and now in the link below.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1O__AEHlxzJ7G_5QF16bcuJpmIOW3t7bo?usp=sharing

Check out the links below for a look at last year’s community walk and aftermath podcast!

https://youtu.be/40lsG6mX2qs?si=7Mkn6torjPgpAxBQ

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2227217/episodes/15287039

Tuesday May 20th

5:30pm-7pm (Elections begin at 6:30pm)

Room 111

Please note this meeting will be in person ONLY, no Zoom option.

We're excited to announce several new positions on the Executive Board. This will spread out the work more equitably and make it a much more fair and fun volunteer experience for everyone!

You can read about all of the positions and the election process here: /bit.ly/ProposedExecBd

If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out!

Remember YOU are the PTA and together we all make PS88 a vibrant and thriving community!

See you on Tuesday May 20th,

Sam: PTA88President@gmail.com

Sabita: PTA88Treasurer@gmail.com

Camila: PTA88Secretary@gmail.com

Dear Families and Colleagues,

Earlier this month, I had the privilege of announcing seven new schools that will be launching this fall. Planned in response to community feedback and aligned with our focus on literacy and college and career pathways, these seven innovative programs will present endless opportunities for our students. Here’s how:

High school students at the Bronx STEAM Center will experience career-connected learning in healthcare and technology, with founding partner Montefiore Medical Center.

At the Central Brooklyn Literacy Academy, students with language-based learning disabilities will have extra support as they learn to read.

Through HBCU Early College Prep, students can earn an associate’s degree, for free, alongside their high school diploma.

At the Middle School of Innovation, students will benefit from AI and other technologies to enhance learning.

At the Northwell School of Health Sciences, students can prepare for high-demand careers in healthcare through a deep partnership with Northwell Health and Bloomberg Philanthropies.

At Queens International Secondary School, newcomers from around the world in grades 6-12 will receive intensive language support in a culturally responsive learning environment.

And at Staten Island Rise Academy: P.S. 89, students will receive personalized instruction and social-emotional support at the first new District 75 school on Staten Island in many years.

This fall, these seven new schools will welcome their first cohort of students. I can’t wait to see all that they will achieve. And if you are interested in any of these schools for your children, please visit their websites, linked above, to learn more.

In partnership,

Melissa Aviles-Ramos

Chancellor